H-1B Quota Count: Advice for F-1 Students When OPT Expires

USCIS updated the H-1B quota numbers again last week. Approximately 19,600 applications have been been received for the regular cap and approximately 8,200 have been received for the “master’s degree” or “advanced degree” cap.

The increase of 700 applications overall, in the past week shows that it’s still anyone’s game at this point. If you are a recent graduate and are hoping to find that job before your OPT expires, keep looking and keep in touch with Romben Law, APC. I have counseled many F-1 students here currently on OPT and they are awaiting job offers and we are ready to begin H-1B applications just as soon as the right job offer comes along…

It is anticipated that the H-1B season will last for months to come. Even if you are running out of OPT time and considering returning home, you should think about consulting with Romben Law, APC before you leave so that if and when a job offer can be made, you can be sure that you have counsel who knows you and your qualifications and is ready to work with your US employer. It’s not at all uncommon that attorneys at Romben Law, APC represent clients who are outside of the US at the time of their application. If you are leaving the country to avoid unlawful presence, but to keep all your options open for returning with work status, you want an advocate on your side before you leave the country. —ecf